02-10-12, 01:33 PM
(26-09-12, 11:01 AM)Rusty link Wrote: [size=1em]Tank lining is almost universal in the classic bike world and there are lots of products out there for this purpose. The problem is the ethanol in modern fuel damages older type linings, removing them and clogging up the fuel system.[/size]
[size=1em]Modern alternative linings are intended to fix that, but should the biofuel/ethanol content added to petrol increase from the current level of around 5% to the American levels of 10% then we're possibly back to square one. Even modern bikes are affected. Some Ducati's for example have plastic fuel tanks which absorb the ethanol and go soft. This allows them to 'sag' and come off their frame mountings. Ducati's reply is that they don't put the ethanol in the fuel so it's not their problem, and the government will tell you it's not theirs either.[/size]
[size=1em]The German's trialled 10% ethanol for a while and were rewarded with mechanical malfunctions galore, as any plastic or rubber components used in the vehicles fuel systems simply dissolved. The best protection is to use an additive in your fuel if laying up the bike, or drain the tank altogether. Prevention is better than cure but the bottom line is your motorcycle was sold to have a finite working life, and the increased ethanol in fuel will just help it along that process that bit quicker.[/size]
[size=1em]You will then be forced to cough up for a replacement vehicle, but look on the bright side - you saved a Polar bear. [/size]
E10 (10% ethanol) unleaded is pretty much universally available in Germany & France these days, so either the reports of malfunctions have been somewhat over exaggerated or they've spent a fortune replacing the dissolving components with sturdier ones!
